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THREE

Willow 

IT'S BEEN TWO DAYS SINCE THAT DREADFUL CLASS. I USED TO LOVE literature and all that comes with reading and deciphering the books, but I don't think I'll enjoy it as much this time around. He is terrifying, and still, he hasn't left my mind. Even now at work, I keep replaying his petty actions in my head.

Why was he that awful? And why me? Sure, Johanna was loud, but there were a lot of other students whispering all around, and he didn't even care. He kept his focus on me the whole time.

Despite this, all other subjects have been amazing. It's everything I ever imagined. Every assignment that has been given has me eager to start it—even though I'm sure I'll be crying in around a month or so.

Shilah breaks me from my trance. "Willow? A few customers have arrived at my table area, but Xico needs my help. Can you cover them?"

The crowd's out and about tonight. All of the bright yellow booths are occupied, and new food plates keep coming out. Even the modern grey stools by the main counter are occupied with people eating. It doesn't even look like we're in the middle of the week. It's almost as bad as the weekends.

"Of course. I'm on it."

Secretly, the work is welcomed. Anything to keep my mind off these running thoughts. The couple is already seated in one of the booths, so I quickly attend to their drinks while letting them choose what to eat. Even though I'm fairly new here, this has been the kind of work I have been doing since before Dylan was born, so the agility to get things done is there.

When I got to Nana's, I was determined to still get a job—even if just a temporary one, while already pregnant. And then as soon as he was six months old, I went back to work. Only part time at the beginning, and then full time after I graduated.

Working and studying online while still taking care of a newborn was the hardest time of my life. Especially before even turning eighteen. It was exhausting, but looking back now...it has been rewarding.

After giving the couple their drinks, I make haste to clean one of the booths that just became free when the entrance's bell rings.

Once it's spotless, I straighten and turn around to allow the client to sit down, running into a hard chest. The impact robs me of my almost non-existent balance as I hit my hip on the table in the process. But then, strong hands steady me. Flinching at the foreigner's hold, I look up and...freeze.

Professor Adell.

"Uhm, I am s-sorry," I stutter, stepping out of his firm grasp.

With an ever-present frown on his face, he nods. Then he proceeds to walk past me and sit down at the closest table, completely dismissing me.

Shilah did an amazing job with the decoration. It's modern and sleek, but with such a pop of colour with the yellow items. The walls are a bright white and the floor just a shade darker in a light grey tone.

The chandeliers are disco balls instead, but the leather benches of the booths are yellow like the flowers decorating the tables. I love it.

A displeased grumble resonates next to me, bringing my attention back to the grumpy man sitting down on one of those booths. He's squinting at the disco balls with disgust before his eyes slide back to me.

Great, he still hates me.

Not letting my emotions get the best of me, I give him the food menu and ask, "While you choose, can I bring you something to drink?"

"Huh?" He looks up at me with furrowed eyebrows.

"What will you want to drink, sir?" I repeat.

His shoulders slump slightly, and his expression goes back to the expression I have seen most of the time during class.